Administrative Procedure 154
ELECTION CAMPAIGNING AND SCHOOLS Background Elections provide an ideal opportunity for students to observe, discuss and engage in the democratic process. Pursuant to the Program of Studies, classroom efforts are to focus on incorporating issues and electoral procedures into learning experiences that help students ‘make sense’ of elections. Although the District recognizes the desirability of students having a knowledge of, and interest in the election process, it is important that teachers not be seen by students, parents and others, to be promoting a particular candidate or party in an election. Procedures 1. Student participation in a political campaign may provide them with a direct experience of the process, however, the provincially mandated Program of Studies does not support electioneering as part of the learning process. 1.1
With this in mind, teachers must refrain from planning this type of activity.
1.2
Specifically, the District prohibits schools from involving students directly in any campaigning during a civic, provincial or federal election.
2. This Administrative Procedure does not prevent schools from inviting candidates for alderman, municipal counsellor, mayor, MLA or MP to a school-based, all candidates forum. 2.1.
It is critical, and an important part of the democratic process, that all candidates receive an invitation and that the forum occurs only if all candidates have been given the opportunity to participate.
2.2.
In planning the forum, clear procedures must be in place to ensure that the event is conducted appropriately, and that it does not become a stage for political opportunism.
2.3.
Candidates must be made aware of the rules governing the forum and these rules must be enforced to ensure fairness to all.
2.4.
Principals planning political forums must work closely with the District’s Instructional Services staff, well in advance of the date planned for the forum, to establish and communicate appropriate forum protocols and procedures.
3. Schools are also permitted to participate in programs such as Youth Can Vote, sponsored by Elections Canada, which provides schools with resources to conduct a school-based vote during an election.
Calgary Roman Catholic Separate School District No. 1 Administrative Procedures Manual
April 2016 Page 1 of 2
4. This Administrative Procedure forbids the use of District’s funds, facilities, or other assets, in a politically partisan way, in support of, or in opposition to, any candidate or party running for elected office. 5. Election campaigning, of any kind, including the distribution of campaign materials, can have a disruptive effect on the organizational and educational operation of a school. 5.1
Consequently, all campaigning by candidates for trustee, alderman, municipal counsellor, mayor, MLA or MP, in District schools, is prohibited.
5.2
The only exception that would be permitted, is in the case of a school building being used, during after hours, to accommodate a forum for candidates.
Approval Date:
April 12, 2016
Reference:
Section 20, 27, 60, 61, 113 School Act School Council Handbook
Calgary Roman Catholic Separate School District No. 1 Administrative Procedures Manual
April 2016 Page 2 of 2
